Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, is a system that makes the
issuance of state Family Assistance and federal Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits faster and easier through the use of
electronic transactions. Clients can use their EBT card to access cash
benefits (TANF) through automated teller machines (ATMs) and
Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals at merchant locations that display the Quest® logo. To access food
assistance benefits, clients can use their EBT cards at grocery stores
and Farmers' Markets that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Alabama's EBT System was piloted in April 1997, in Jefferson, Montgomery
and Russell Counties. The remainder of the state was phased in during
the months of July, August and September 1997.

DHR awarded $750,000 grant to improve child care servicesMONTGOMERY-The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has been awarded a grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to help expand high-quality early learning opportunities for young infants and toddlers by providing core operating support for the Early Head Start Child-Care Partnership (EHS-CCP).